HUM FPX 1150 Cultural Understanding in a Global World Creative Process of Creating and Interpreting Cultural Artifacts

HUM FPX 1150 Cultural Understanding in a Global World

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Creative Process of Creating and Interpreting Cultural Artifacts

Throughout history, culture and artistic expressions have profoundly impacted human thoughts and behavior. The particular artifact I chose, “PMA Highlights: Tim Rollins and K.O.S.,” may influence individuals’ thinking and behavior in the future as it depicts the hardships faced by African Americans. The painting was created collaboratively by Tim Rollins and K.O.S., a collective group representing kids of survival in connection with their struggles, drug use, violence, and poverty. Their main goal in creating these paintings was to provide a refuge for children experiencing multiple trials and tribulations at a young age. This artifact is set in the 19th century and alludes to the racism African Americans endured through slavery. It inspired many historical leaders to strive for change in the segregation between blacks and whites. Today, this piece can encourage individuals to continue advocating for positive changes in African American culture, as history has shown how many have worked tirelessly for equality for all. Despite the negative connotation associated with the African American lifestyle, it is possible to achieve success in life despite economic challenges and daily hardships (Elwell, 2020).

The artists’ process for creating the artifact involved collaboration. Tim Rollins and K.O.S. produced similar paintings connected by descriptive imagery that portrays the pain and suffering of African Americans. Both artists were inspired by pairing book literature with paintings, often using books that described a slave’s or an African American’s perspective during times of racial injustice. If a line or page in a book was inspirational, they would draw what came to mind. Both artists contributed their interpretations and creativity to shape and craft the final artifact by sharing ideas from specific books that could enhance their painting. For example, they incorporated text from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, and writings by Martin Luther King, Jr. The artists’ cultural and personal experiences are evident in the cultural artifact, as the genre they chose to paint reflects their personal hurt. A prime example is the image of the artifact, which shows a man kneeling, possibly out of exhaustion. The artists were likely tired of witnessing the continued injustices faced by African Americans and sought change (The Portland Museum of Art, 2016).

HUM FPX 1150 Assessment 4 Creative Proce